For those of you to whom categories are important, and for those of you to whom a variety of style is a blessing, Armando Compean and Texas Brown have a tune to play and a song to sing. As a matter of fact, the Texas-born, Houston-raised bass player/singer has a long list of songs to play and sing -- songs ranging from driving Texas shuffle blues to tunes flavored with jazzy horn arrangements, funk grooves, and Latin rhythm. Armando, who has a clear understanding of blues and jazz roots, is able and willing to blend the two with natural conviction. Raised in a musical family of ten, he was exposed to classical music, jazz, and romantic boleros. His father was a violinist/bassist and set the musical tone and standard for the entire family. In addition to the musical influence at home, Armando gravitated naturally to the local blues and jazz talent in the city of Houston, playing in some of the same clubs and backing such artists as Bobby "Blue" Bland, Johnny and Edgar Winter, and Albert Collins, to name a few. It helped mold the sound that is Texas Brown.